Best Early Christmas Present for Every MLB Team

Now that Thanksgiving is over and we all have had some time to wake up from our food comas, it's time to shift into Christmas mode. It is now time for all the cheesy Claymation TV specials, hectic shopping and wrapping presents while Dad is outside stringing lights.

Visions of that suddenly have me thinking. Sure, we focus on what we want for Christmas, but December is also the time of the Winter Meetings, which I affectionately refer to as Baseball Christmas. It is a time when each team looks to get better by adding a top player via free agency or a trade, an early Christmas present, if you will.

That being said, time for Santa Josh to load up the sleigh. With a happy heart and a "Ho ho ho!", here is what each team would ideally want for its early Christmas present.

Arizona Diamondbacks: An Experienced Bat to Protect Justin Upton

2011 was kind to the Arizona Diamondbacks, as the young squad gelled together on the back of a great pitching staff to win the NL West. Yet, as bright as the team's future may be, something is missing in the lineup. That something is a veteran bat.

The reason why the team needs such a bat is simple. Save for outfielder Justin Upton, there isn't much protection in the lineup. The next best hitter in terms of power is Chris Young, who had 20 homers and 71 RBI last year but hit just .236.

Seeing as how Paul Goldschmidt is, at best, a crap-shoot at this point, GM Kevin Towers should look to see if a veteran outfielder could possibly be acquired for Young. Perhaps trade him to Atlanta for Martin Prado?

Either way, if the team can fulfill this need soon, there could be cause for early celebration in the desert.

Atlanta Braves: Roy Oswalt at a Discount

As of now, the Atlanta Braves rotation for next season looks like this: Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor. Call me crazy, but I don't think Minor is ready to be a full-time starter yet and should be replaced with another veteran with plenty of postseason experience.

Enter Roy Oswalt, a dynamic right-hander who still has what it takes to pitch in the majors despite a lengthy injury history. He went 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in an injury-shortened campaign with the Philadelphia Phillies, who declined to offer him arbitration.

Considering how the Phils already have Oswalt's replacement in Vance Worley, chances are the former Astros ace will need a new team. Enter the Atlanta Braves, who easily have the money to sign him to a one-year deal worth maybe $6 million, plus incentives. It's down from last year's $16 million, but Oswalt can't exactly afford to be choosy at this point.

If you ask me, the Braves would be a great fit for him as they look to get back to the postseason.

Baltimore Orioles: Jon Garland Bought Extremely Cheap

The Orioles have some great young pitchers in Brian Matusz and Zach Britton, but neither is ready to become an ace. Combine that with the fact that Jeremy Guthrie might not be with the team next year, and team management is in a tight spot to make something happen.

That being said, considering how the team is not looking to spend too much money this offseason, one gamble worth taking could be on right-hander Jon Garland. The man missed most of last season with shoulder surgery, but still could have what it takes to be effective if he has fully healed. On top of that, he is still fairly young at 32 years old.

If new GM Dan Duquette can get this guy for maybe one-year and no more than $2 million, then the Orioles could get a big return on investment if the offense clicks.

Boston Red Sox: Bobby Valentine

As good as the Red Sox were with Terry Francona as manager, they always had a tendency to crash and burn down the stretch. It's irrelevant as to whether said plunges were the result of lack of chemistry or Francona being too conciliatory. The fact is that someone who runs a tight ship and is passionate is necessary.

This is where Bobby Valentine comes in. He has already spoken with team management about their managerial vacancy, so now he just has to be offered the job. If you ask me, he's just what the Sawx need.

Valentine would bring discipline and focus to a Red Sox team so desperately in need of it. Were he running the show in the clubhouse, I guarantee that there would be no fried chicken, video games or beer in the locker room at any point during the season. There would be team meetings on an almost-daily basis and before long, the Red Sox would be back in the playoff hunt and not choking towards season's end.

Chicago Cubs: A Taker for Alfonso Soriano

In 2007, the Chicago Cubs signed outfielder Alfonso Soriano to an eight-year deal worth $136 million.  Needless to say, the man has not been a model of consistency during his time in the windy city. He has been constantly injured and his defense leaves something to be desired.

That being said, the best present for the Cubs would be for new front office team Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein to work their Christmas magic and find a team willing to take on the three years and $51 million remaining on Soriano's contract. This is definitely doable, seeing as how he is still able to hit some monster home runs.

Chicago White Sox: A Rejuvenated Adam Dunn

Last offseason, when the White Sox signed Adam Dunn to a four-year deal worth $56 million, I immediately picked them to win the AL Central. Instead, Dunn had an offseason and was not the powerful threat in the lineup that many thought would help put the team over the top. On the year, Dunn hit .159 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI in 122 games.

That being said, regardless of whether or not pitcher Mark Buehrle comes back, the best that the White Sox can hope for is for Dunn to come back swinging a deathly bat. The man has 40 home run power and given how there is already one with that skill on the team in first baseman Paul Konerko, a little extra protection is essential.

Cincinnati Reds: Aroldis Chapman in the Starting Rotation

Let me get this straight. Aroldis Chapman has thrown the fastest recorded pitch in baseball history at 105.1 mph, and he's NOT in the Reds' starting rotation? That's just plain silly.

I understand that the team is worried about his health and durability, but the fact that he has spent the past season and a half in the bullpen just seems off. The man's skills are an extremely rare weapon to possess and to not take full advantage could mean the franchise missing the playoffs more often than not.

That being said, the best gift for Cincinnati would be for Chapman to be fully healthy and ready to assume a new role as a starter.

Cleveland Indians: Casey Kotchman on a 2-Year Deal

If there's one thing the Cleveland Indians need, it's a spark in their lineup.  That being said, looking at first baseman Matt LaPorta, I think it's safe to say that the man has peaked.  He's talented, but is fairly average and not what the team needs right now.

Team management should look to sign Casey Kotchman for two years and see how that works out, seeing as how the man is an effective lefty bat and plays phenomenal defense. Last year, for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kotchman hit .308 with 10 home runs and 48 RBI in 146 games. It's a shot in the dark, signing him, but could be well worth the gamble.

The best part is that Kotchman is only 28 and still has a few good years left, just what the doctor ordered for the Indians.

Colorado Rockies: A Taker for Huston Street

Huston Street is a talented closer, but watching him pitch for the Rockies is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what's you're going to get. He could get a quick save, or have to labor for it if he doesn't blow it.

On top of that, Street is owed $7.5 million next season, plus a $9 million option for 2013. Seeing as how the team could use a pick-me-up in the bullpen, Street should be traded if the offer is right.

More importantly, seeing as how Ubaldo Jimenez was traded last year due to his contract, dealing Street is something that Dan O'Dowd could easily pull off with the right calls.

Detroit Tigers: A New Hitting Coach

In terms of players, the Detroit Tigers seem pretty much set. The pitching will have a fine 1-2 punch in Justin Verlander and Doug Fister, and Miguel Cabrera will do a fine job with the rest of the lineup behind him.

Yet, while the lineup in Detroit is talented, it could be doing a little better. Sure, it was fourth in runs scored in the AL last season, but the team's performance since 2006 has been inconsistent.  Lloyd McClendon has held the position of hitting coach since 2007, but it could be time for him to go.

On top of that, I'm convinced that McClendon just got the job because of his friendship with manager Jim Leyland, who McClendon played for years ago as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Seeing as how McClendon couldn't lead that team to the playoffs, how can he help the Tigers achieve the next level of greatness?

Nepotism should be thrown out the window and a coach who stresses patience at the plate should be hired. If that happens, perhaps the Tigers could find themselves back in the World Series sooner rather than later.

Houston Astros: A New Manager

As of now, the Houston Astros are a young team in desperate need of a leader in the lineup. Even though manager Brad Mills has years of managing in the minors and was Terry Francona's bench coach in Boston, something tells me he isn't the right man for the job.

Due to an ownership change, the team is pretty much stuck in the early stages of rebuilding until there is an idea of how much money they will have to spend on players. On top of that, the Astros are due to move to the AL in 2013.

That being said, why not replace Mills with a more experienced manager who works well with young squads? A new face would rid the team of the malaise that came with a 106 loss season in 2011 and bring about a fresh start.

I don't have anything against Mills, but I just don't think he can make the best out of this situation.

Kansas City Royals: A New Manager

Considering how the Kansas City Royals have such a talented young team that recently acquired an effective pitcher in Jonathan Sanchez, I'm honestly shocked that the team didn't at least contend for a Wild Card spot last year. I hate to say it, but I blame manager Ned Yost.

The man's laid-back approach works well with younger players, but it also creates a tendency to lose focus. Keep in mind, Yost was fired as Milwaukee Brewers manager in September 2008, right when the team was in the middle of a pennant race. Team management's reason for dismissing him was a two-week skid in September.

The fact that the Brewers did better once he was gone that year says a lot, and if the Royals want to contend immediately, they should bring in a disciplined and experienced manager who isn't afraid to crack the whip when necessary.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: C.J. Wilson

Ever since Mike Scioscia took over as manager of the Angels, his teams have become known for two things: great pitching and pesky smallball. The pitching rotation already has two great arms in Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, but something seems to be missing, particularly a lefty. Thus, this early Christmas wish may end up coming true.

The Los Angeles Times reported three days ago that this coming Monday night, Scioscia and GM Jerry DiPoto would be having dinner with free agent pitcher C.J. Wilson. Wilson's stuff is perfect for the Angels' system, seeing as how he finished last season with a 2.94 ERA while playing in a hitter's park for half the season.

Given how Angels Stadium tends to favor pitchers, just imagine what Wilson could do if he were part of that rotation. If you ask me, the Angels just might become the team to beat.

Los Angeles Dodgers: A New Owner

Let's be honest, folks. The only reason the Los Angeles Dodgers have been so bad the past two seasons is because Frank McCourt mishandled the team's finances so badly that key players could not be added. Given the history of the Dodgers franchise, the fact that a dark (for lack of better word) period existed for that reason just seems insulting.

Yet, McCourt is selling the team and once a buyer is found, the slate will be wiped clean. Still, the best thing for the team as a whole would be for a new owner to come in sooner rather than later. McCourt nearly ran this team into the ground, and the sooner he is gone, the sooner the team can get back to the playoffs without his drama distracting them.

Miami Marlins: Jose Reyes

With a new uniform and a new attitude, it seems that the Marlins are finally ready to do something that they have never really done before: spend money. The team is talented already, but just one more man is needed to inject that last bit of life and new hope into the franchise.

If you ask me, the best man for the job is shortstop Jose Reyes. The man is a switch-hitter who hits for both average and power, his speed is off the charts and his defense isn't bad either.

The reigning NL batting title winner could do great work with the Marlins as they look to establish themselves as a legit power in baseball. Jeffrey Loria is serious about turning his team into a contender, and if he wants to make a power move, he needs to sign Reyes.

Milwaukee Brewers: An Heir to Prince's Throne

It's safe to assume that next season, Prince Fielder will not be playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. He will refuse a hometown discount and go where the money is, thus leaving his first base throne open.

In terms of free agents, the best option would seem to be Derrek Lee. He's 36 years old, but was effective for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year after being acquired from Baltimore. In 28 games, he hit .337 with seven home runs and 18 RBI.

On a one-year deal, Lee could prove to be a solid choice. Yet, the Brewers also have a solid in-house candidate in prospect Mat Gamel, who hit .310 with 28 home runs and 96 RBI in 128 games at Triple-A Nashville.

No matter which direction the team chooses to move in, filling this hole will prove to be the best early Christmas present for GM Doug Melvin.

Minnesota Twins: Shorter Fences

Given the dimensions of Target Field, one would think that hitters like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau wouldn't struggle to hit home runs there. Instead, the opposite has happened. Over the past two seasons, the M&M Boys have only hit a combined 34 home runs after hitting a combined 90 from 2008-2009.

Sure, both players have been banged up the past couple of seasons, but the fact that most teams struggle to hit home runs there is kind of ridiculous. If the Twins want to contend for a division title and more again, the best thing they can do is move in the fences so that their own team can produce better and what are normally home run shots don't turn into loud outs.

New York Mets: A Clean Slate

For the past few years, the New York Mets have been the joke of New York City. Here's a team that has solid players like David Wright and Jason Bay, but no money to put any decent talent around them. As a result, Wright as been the subject of trade rumors for the past year.

Yet, the worst part is that Mets owner Fred Wilpon (pictured) is rumored to have profited from the Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme. He claims he lost money in the scheme, even offering to sell a minority share in the team at one point last year.

Either way, no matter how you look at it, this team doesn't need any top players, nor any new staff members. The Mets just need to wipe the slate clean and move on from any drama. 

New York Yankees: A Taker for A.J. Burnett

Prior to the 2009 season, the Yankees signed A.J. Burnett to a five-year deal worth $82.5 million. While he was solid his first season in the Bronx, the past two years have been less than average. Over that stretch, Burnett has been a mark of inconsistency, going 21-26 with a 5.20 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.

If the Yankees want a shot at seriously contending next season, they need to find a buyer for Burnett's services. That's easier said than done considering how he has $33 million and two years remaining on his deal.

Yet, Christmas miracles have happened before and in the Yankees case, perhaps one is due at this year's Winter Meetings.

Oakland Athletics: A New GM

Nothing against Billy Beane, but I think the past few years have proven that Moneyball doesn't work. The approach itself looks good on paper and may have produced some success for the team in the past, but it isn't exactly the right formula for winning a World Series. At the end of the day, it's just a bunch of young players with a couple of veterans mixed in, the hitters of whom are freakishly good at getting on base.

That being said, the best present for the team is to part ways with Beane on the best of terms and bring in a GM who isn't afraid to spend a little money to bring in one key player. Given Beane's impressive baseball mind, he will surely find a job elsewhere very soon.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jimmy Rollins at the Hometown Discount

The Philadelphia Phillies' first priority this season should be re-signing fan favorite Jimmy Rollins. The man has been a staple for the franchise his entire career and despite spending time on the DL the past couple of seasons, he still has been effective.

The team's only issue with re-signing him might be his age, as he turns 33 in just a couple of days. Still, the man is so important to the franchise that it is essential he come back. If he took a hometown discount, it would be one hell of an early Christmas present to team GM Ruben Amaro, Jr.

Pittsburgh Pirates: A Younger Veteran Pitcher

At long last, it seems as though the Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge of contending again. The only piece that seems to be missing from the puzzle, minus consistent offense, is another solid pitcher to put in the rotation. Looking at the pitchers available, the best man for the job could be Edwin Jackson (pictured).

Jackson is unpredictable, having gone 12-9 with a 3.79 ERA with the White Sox and Cardinals last year, but he has proven to be very effective when at his best. If the Pirates can strike a deal with him for the right price, then Christmas could come early to the Steel City this year.

San Diego Padres: Heath Bell at the Hometown Discount

The best early Christmas present that the San Diego Padres can hope for is to bring back closer Heath Bell at a discount. This is doable, seeing as how the man loves San Diego and lives in the area year-round.

Yet, the Padres are strapped for cash, so even their version of a hometown discount may not be enough for him to stay. Thus, to be honest, the best thing to do in that case is hope for a Christmas miracle.

San Francisco Giants: An Extension for Matt Cain

For the past three years, one of the Giants' most valuable pitchers has been right-hander Matt Cain. Over that stretch, he has posted a 2.97 ERA with a remarkable 1.11 WHIP. His contract expires after the coming season and extending him has to be close to the top of GM Brian Sabean's to-do list.

Cain is due $7.3 million this year, so he'll definitely want a raise from the three-year, $27.5 million contract he received prior to the 2010 season. Seeing as how he has been good the past three years, perhaps Santa can make an early delivery to the Bay Area this year.

Seattle Mariners: A Top Arm to Complement Felix Hernandez

The Seattle Mariners' biggest problem is that their offense is nonexistent, but they don't have the money to pursue top hitters on the free agent market. That being said, this holiday season, the best thing they can wish for is to trade for another effective arm to add to their rotation.

In doing so, staff ace Felix Hernandez wouldn't have to shoulder the entire load come his turn. On top of that, perhaps it would give the offense a little more confidence knowing that more than one pitcher had their back on a consistent basis.

St. Louis Cardinals: Painless Negotiations with Albert Pujols

The St. Louis Cardinals' first priority this season should be re-signing Albert Pujols by any means necessary. The man is the face of the franchise and if he leaves, there could be riots in the streets of St. Louis.

Simply put, the best early Christmas present for the defending champions would be for negotiations with their star player to go smoothly and painlessly. He simply has too many ties to the St. Louis community, not to mention the team, to let money get in the way of him coming back.

On top of that, should he depart St. Louis, I'll be moving him to the "nice" list to the "naughty" list.

Tampa Bay Rays: Help at the Back End of the Rotation

Looking at the Tampa Bay Rays, their biggest weakness is at the back of the starting rotation. Jeff Niemann (pictured) and Wade Davis have their good days, but are nowhere near as consistent as teammates David Price and James Shields.

That being said, the team should use what little money it has to buy itself an early Christmas present and bring in a starter who could fit into that part of the rotation while either Niemann or Davis goes to the bullpen. Looking at who's available, one viable option could be Joel Pineiro, who could be obtained at a low price following an uneventful tenure with the Angels.

This is a team due for a long playoff run, and if the magic of Christmas is the key to that happening, then so be it.

Texas Rangers: Extending Josh Hamilton

Now that Neftali Feliz will be in the rotation next year, it looks as though C.J. Wilson's time in Texas is up. Thus, onto the next priority: extending Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton has been phenomenal for the Rangers since being acquired from Cincinnati in 2008, hitting .311 over the course of four seasons and winning both a batting title and an MVP award in 2010. The best part is that his talents are only costing the team $12 million next season.

Yet, beyond 2012, there is no guarantee that Hamilton will be a Ranger. Seeing as how he is essentially the best player and best leader on the team, GM Jon Daniels should be working overtime to get an extension done. For there to be an early Christmas in Dallas, this could be what it takes to make it happen.

Toronto Blue Jays: Signing Ryan Madson

The Blue Jays' biggest weakness is their bullpen, where a close-by-committee approach featuring Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco failed last season. Thus, it's time for GM Alex Anthopoulos to spring into action and bring in closer Ryan Madson so that the bullpen will have some stability.

The team is so close to contending again in the tough AL East and believe it or not, a solid bullpen (plus healthy starters) is the key to success. Once Madson is signed, the Blue Jays just might have the best Christmas ever thanks to their early present.

Washington Nationals: A Guarantee That Bryce Harper Will Be in the Majors Soon

One of the biggest questions surrounding the Washington Nationals next season, as well as the entire baseball world is whether or not Bryce Harper will be promoted to the majors. He split last season between Single and Double-A ball and did pretty well for someone just 18 years old. In 109 games, he hit .297 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI and 26 stolen bases.

That being said, if the Nationals had a solid plan regarding Harper's 2012 campaign, they could find themselves having a very merry Christmas. Suppose he starts at Double-A, moves up to Triple-A and ultimately to the majors by midseason? His power combined with the pitching of Stephen Strasburg could spell success for the Nationals.

That being said, if the Nats want an early Christmas gift, they just need to look inside themselves and realize that Harper could be ready very soon.